Thursday, 5 March 2015

Player Ratings - Liverpool vs. Burnley 2-0

After the triumph against Manchester City it was important for Liverpool
to continue their winning ways. Burnley
proved tenacious in opposition and a very well coached unit. However, during
the match Liverpool's quality shone through, ending up 2-0 victors on the
night. Yet another invaluable three points for the Redmen, who continue their
surge towards the top four. My Liverpool FC player ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 7: Barely called upon,
however when required, he did it well. His ability to come for crosses has
improved tenfold since Boxing Day when these two sides last met. Won an
innocuous header midway through the second half outside the box, however
fortune favours the brave. Sometimes.Dejan Lovren - 7: Another solid performance for the improving Croatian. Not fully recovered
from his nightmare start to the season, with several inaccurate passes lucky
not to lead to more for Burnley. However, things appear to be moving in the
right direction for him.Martin Skrtel - 8: The bedrock of the Liverpool defence. He didn't put a foot wrong
throughout and dealt with the industrious Danny Ings very well. He's proving to
be an able leader throughout this team. Emre Can - 8: Was once again moved to right wing back in the game's latter stages. You
could play him anywhere on the pitch and the German would look comfortable. For
a player of his age, his ability to read the game is frightening.Alberto Moreno - 6: Dealt well in a defensive sense. Played within himself in the final
third of the pitch. More to come from the young Spaniard; one of many who's
benefited from the change in system since the turn of the year.

Raheem Sterling- 7: Made several mazes runs which are
becoming a scary formality when he is on the ball. Some may feel he is wasted
in the right wing back position, but like Emre Can, Sterling's versatility is
one of his endearing qualities.

Jordan Henderson -
8:Man of the Match. Once again, heroic.
His goal just about bettered his effort against Manchester City, with a
thumping volley which saw the home team take a much deserved lead. His
telepathic understanding with Daniel Sturridge saw him turn provider for
Liverpool's second. A beautiful pass, which found the front man to put the game
to bed. Growing into his role as the team's leader.

Joe Allen - 8: Continuing his form from Sunday, the underappreciated Welshman didn't
miss a beat. Without the ball, he astutely chose his moments to press while in
possession, he remained unflustered and played the game in front and around
him. An out -and-out team player.

Adam Lallana - 8: He once again ran himself into the ground whilst demonstrating his silky
touches and turns. Starting to prove a nice foil for Philippe Coutinho. His
good form and consistent run in the team couldn't have come at a better time.Philippe Coutinho -
7: Lovely touches throughout, however it was his impressive work off the
ball which a feature of his game. He led the way with Liverpool's unrelenting
pressing, which made it hard for Burnley to play through.

Daniel Sturridge - 7: Could've had a hat trick
had he been fully match fit. I'm sure people aren't aware just how well he took
his goal with a bullet header, which was directed with precision. His touch let
him down at times, but if he can score on the off night, the sky's limit when
he is on. It's building nicely for Liverpool main man.

Substitutes:Kolo Toure – N/R: In a carbon copy from Sunday, he shored things up at the back. Seldom called upon
throughout his cameo.